Mid September It is not all 'work and no play' in Iraq. The need to have a break from your immediate surroundings means that everyone qualifies for Operational Stand Down or OSD as we all call it. OSD is based in Kuwait, and it is fantastic! OSD is manned by British soldiers in an American Camp. For the Brits based in the south of the country it is relatively easy to get across the border to enjoy a few days off. For those of us based in Baghdad it is slightly more complicated. Fortunately we discovered that we could fly there direct. Morale was restored and one of my officers started planning our escape.  | | Crossing the border was a bit of an anti-climax. |
I decided that whilst I was visiting my soldiers in Shaibah I would nip across into Kuwait for 36 hours to sample the delights of living in a normal country without any of the security constraints to the north. As the Officer Commanding it was important for me to do a reconnaissance mission! The feeling of relief when we crossed into Kuwait was tangible. I relaxed in a vehicle for the first time and enjoyed watching civilisation rush past. I even came across a wild camel train. We were driving at 70mph and spotted them across the other side of the carriageway; so we quickly slowed down, crossed the central reservation and drove back towards Iraq, just to get a photo. My son is now convinced that 'Daddy is in the desert'!  | | It seemed very strange to be sitting on a beach next to the Arabian Sea, but it was very relaxing! |
I spent the 36 hours wandering around the US shops and facilities, lying by a pool inside the camp or eating American fast food. It was a welcome taste of 'normality'. The best afternoon though was spent sitting by the pool at the Hilton Hotel in Kuwait City. Surrounded by young Kuwaitis relaxing on their Friday off was quite surreal; especially listening to Brazilian samba music. The break, although short, was rejuvenating.
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